Shot NSW police 'shocked' but doing well

Two NSW police officers shot with the same bullet by a big-game hunter are shocked but doing remarkably well, Police Minister Troy Grant says, with one released from hospital.

Leading Senior Constable Helen McMurtrie was shot in the throat and Sergeant Mark Johnston hit on the side of his face after speaking to 74-year-old Eric Newman in the northern town of Glen Innes at 9.50pm on Friday.

She confirmed Sgt Johnston was discharged as a patient earlier in the day.

Mr Grant said it was amazing that despite fragments of the bullet lodging in the female officer's neck, they missed her carotid arteries.

He also praised Probationary Constable Samantha Petty, who was uninjured in the incident that occurred just four weeks after she left the academy.

All three New England district officers had been called to attend a domestic assault at the property.

It's believed a further shot was heard before additional police arrived and found Newman dead at the property.

"(The officers) are obviously shocked. They're obviously doing it tough from certain points of view, but they're also doing remarkably well and are surrounded by family," Mr Grant told 2GB on Monday morning.

The gunman's sister-in-law said she couldn't understand why the "good, honest, friendly" man pulled the trigger.

His wife, Lesley Blythe Newman, said she was praying for the police who were shot and for their loved ones.

NSW Police Legacy has established an appeal to help the officers and their families in their rehabilitation.

A critical incident investigation has been launched and findings will be presented to the coroner.